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Madeleine Catherine | French-American Recipes

@thewiseconsumer

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🥖 French-American home cooking, made simple
📖 Author of 𝘖𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦 à 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 #comingsoon
Recipe creator · milspouse · Madeleine 🇺🇸🇫🇷

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The perfect dessert for your summer cherries? A clafoutis. 🍒⁣⁣⁣
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It’s so simple to throw together and makes the perfect little treat.
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What you’ll need for this Whole Wheat Cherry Clafoutis:⁣⁣⁣
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• 1½ cups cherries, pitted⁣⁣⁣
• 3 large eggs⁣⁣⁣
• 5–6 tablespoons sugar⁣⁣⁣
• 1 cup whole milk⁣⁣⁣
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour⁣⁣⁣
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract⁣⁣⁣
• Zest of ½ lemon⁣⁣⁣
• A pinch of salt⁣⁣⁣
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for greasing)⁣⁣⁣
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)⁣⁣⁣
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the clafoutis is lightly golden and just set in the center.⁣⁣⁣
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#cherryclafoutis #FrenchDesserts #FrenchBaking #SummerBaking #bakingwithkids by @thewiseconsumer

It’s been a month 🫠such a crazy season. My husband left for deployment, and we headed to France 🇫🇷 (which was planned long before we found out he was gonna leave). It was such a beautiful, fun trip and a great distraction from thinking about the empty house we’d be returning to and managing on my own for who knows how many months. Still, I’m so grateful I got to say goodbye and then head straight to the airport for my own little adventure with the kids. 🛫

We had such a wonderful trip. We started in Paris and, honestly, didn’t “do” much—we just lived there for a few days. Slow mornings picking up fresh bread from the bakery, wandering through some of my favorite spots before lunch, afternoons in the park, eating my favorite foods, grocery shopping, and reconnecting with family. It was simple, slow, and so, so good for my heart, and for the kids to be immersed in the French language and culture.

Then we headed to Brittany, where we met up with friends, spent time in Saint-Malo, and made our way up Mont Saint-Michel. The beach life combined with an afternoon snack of chocolate crepes is a tradition I know my kids want me to start implementing here in North Carolina…and maybe I will. 🥞

But truly, the best part of the whole trip was watching my children immerse themselves in a culture that is such a deep part of who I am. And for me, being back in France always feels like coming home. No place is perfect, but something in me settles the moment I land at CDG. 🛫🇫🇷🩵

Here’s to being back on social media and finding our rhythm again as we settle into a new routine during deployment. #france #francoamerican #usmcspouse #frenchcookingathome #bilingualmom by @thewiseconsumer

Hi! 👋 It’s been a few weeks…And what a few weeks it’s been. 🫠 Between the baby’s gas, her little digestive issues, and the colds that have made their way through both kiddos, I’ve gotten very little sleep and have mostly been running on fumes—just trying to show up as best I can for the kids each day.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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The good news is we’re finally on the mend, and baby E is been sleeping sooo much better now that the digestive issues and stuffy nose have passed (is there anything worse than watching your baby struggle to sleep and eat because they can’t breathe through their nose?).⁣⁣⁣⁣
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But it hasn’t been all 𝘋𝘦𝘣𝘣𝘪𝘦 𝘋𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳 moments! We celebrated the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday 🎉, traveled to Winston-Salem (such a cute town!), enjoyed a fall hike, been soaking up sweet family moments, and have been loving having Papa home.⁣⁣⁣⁣
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Here’s to hoping this week we’re finally on the up and up—and that I can start moving the ball forward again on the cookbook and new recipes! Lately, my go-to has been homemade rotisserie chicken and chicken noodle soup (I’ve drafted both recipes because they’re too good not to share). 🍲✨ #francoamerican #usmcbirthday #parenthoodmoments #raisingtinyhumans #recipecreator by @thewiseconsumer

It’s my birthday this week, which means my French great-grandmother’s chocolate cake is making its annual appearance 🎂❤️ Joyeux anniversaire to me! I’m excited to see what this next year has in store! ✨

And yes… this recipe is in my upcoming cookbook 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘩-𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘔𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘔𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦. ✨

Here’s what you’ll need: 
🍫 5 oz dark bittersweet chocolate (70-85%—I recommend fair-trade!)  🧈 4 tbsp butter  🥚 3 eggs, separated  🍯 ¾ cup sugar
🌾 2 tbsp flour (gluten-free works too!)

Note: Pour the chocolate mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch glass baking dish and bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

Also… if you spot some little holes in the cake, my son got to it before I was ready to film the last clip! 😂

Let me know if you try it! ❤️  #frenchbaking #simplerecipes #frenchchocolatecake #frenchdessert #frenchcooking
https://thewiseconsumer.com/french-chocolate-cake/ by @thewiseconsumer

Here’s the story: I used a plant-based protein powder Iloved for its flavor for a few years, but unfortunately, I started noticing that my blood sugar levels were pretty unstable whenever I consumed it. Initially, I stopped using it during pregnancy, thinking it was just hormones—but, postpartum, I realized it was actually the powder itself.
So, I went looking for something blood-sugar-friendly, nourishing, free from additives (looking at you, stevia), and, obviously, tasty.

My sister recommended @lineageprovisions AB Chocolate Protein Powder. At first glance, I was like, “Nose-to-tail nutrition… with grass-fed beef protein, organs and colostrum? Ummm, no thanks.” But I tried it anyway (because I truly believe in the power of food), and I’m so glad I did.

This protein powder has been a game-changer in helping me nourish my very sleep-deprived body during this postpartum phase of life. It’s packed with minerals and nutrients, super creamy, and unlike whey protein, so much easier to digest. I love this protein powder so much that I joined their team as an affiliate, so you can try it /enjoy it at a discount (code TheWiseConsumer15 for 10% off!).

✨ recipe for my go-to Chocolate Berry Avocado Smoothie (aka my 4pm goûter pick-me-up):

🥛6oz water or milk (adjust to your preference for a thinner or thicker smoothie) (I use water because I don’t like cold milk 😂)
🍫1 scoop Lineage Provisions AB Chocolate Powder (TheWiseConsumer15 for 10% off
🍌½ banana
🥑½ avocado
🍓~¼ cup frozen mixed berries

Blend & enjoy! Bon appétit ♥️ #lineageprovisions #proteinsmoothie #smoothierecipe #chocolatesmoothie #lineageprovisionspartner by @thewiseconsumer

✨ Zesty Orange & Fennel Salad with Fresh Dill 🍊🌿⁣
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If you’re new to fennel, this deliciously refreshing salad is the perfect way to try it out! Crisp fennel, juicy oranges, and fresh herbs come together in just minutes. ⁣

It’s light, nourishing, and one of my favorite ways to brighten up a gloomy fall day. 🍂 Plus, fennel, oranges, and herbs are also packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber!
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Here’s what you’ll need:⁣
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Salad
• 1 large fennel bulb⁣
• 1–2 oranges, peeled & sliced⁣
• 1 bunch of mint, thinly sliced⁣
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped⁣
• 1 tbsp unsalted pumpkin seeds⁣
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Dressing
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar⁣
• 1 tbsp olive oil⁣
• Juice of ½ orange⁣
• Salt & pepper, to taste⁣
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For slicing tips + the full recipe, head to the blog or click the link in bio ✨ #frenchrecipe #fennel #simplesalad #recettefacilerapide #frenchcooking #frenchinspired #francophile by @thewiseconsumer

🇫🇷🇺🇸 My husband doesn’t speak French, but raising bilingual kids was non-negotiable for me. It was something we talked about before we even got married—right up there with religion and values. Because while I’m also American, being French is a huge part of who I am.

I was born in France and grew up in a French-speaking home—my mom is French, my dad is American (but fluent). We always spoke French (and Franglish 😅) at home, celebrated French traditions, traveled between France and the US, and ate French food.

I definitely don’t have all the answers to raising bilingual kids—I’m still figuring it out as I go. But since so many of you have asked how we’re doing it, I thought I’d share what’s working (and what’s not) for us right now:

5 Simple Things That Work
1. I speak French 90% of the time, even when my husband is around.
2. I am totally ok with Franglish. When it comes to speaking French with my son I don’t stress about perfection—if he mixes up words in both languages I help him pick words he’s looking for.
3. Reading in French – We read in French every morning and every night.
4. Listen to French music and podcasts/stories - this is a huge one as hearing it regularly helps him switch between languages more naturally.
5. Screen time (mostly in French) — not my favorite thing to admit but while I cook dinner or when putting baby down and solo parenting #iykyk I let him pick a French kids’ show to watch.

What I’m finding is that it’s not about perfection but about consistency. So if you’re raising bilingual kids, just know you’re doing great, it’s not always easy, especially if, like me, you’re not surrounded by other speakers.

✨ I’ll be sharing more of our bilingual journey here—favorite books, songs, traditions, and everyday tips—so stay tuned! ✨ In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you: What’s working in your family? What languages are you teaching your little ones?. ♥️🇺🇸🇫🇷 #bilingualkids #francoamerican #francophone #bilingualism #frenchamerican by @thewiseconsumer

🍓🍏 Compote de fruits // Fruit Compote

One of my favorite ways to save fruit that’s just a little too soft? Making a Compote de fruits. It’s simple, naturally sweet, and so versatile—plus, it’s one of my son’s favorite treats.

The best part? You can mix and match whatever fruit you have on hand: apples + berries, berries + mango, stone fruits… you really can’t go wrong! 🍓🍇🍒 And no, it doesn’t have to be overripe fruit every time—sometimes I buy fruit just to make compote de fruits. But if you do have some sitting in back of fridge or on counter that’s a little soft, this is the perfect way to give it new life. 🍒🍓🍏

What you’ll need: 
🍓 2–3 cups fruit of your choice
💧 2 tbsp water

✨ Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces (the smaller the pieces, the faster they cook). If your fruit is a little past its prime, just trim away any overly soft or bruised spots. Add the fruit to a pan with 2 tablespoons of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, until tender. Allow to cool slightly, then blend with an immersion blender. Voilà—a delicious, naturally sweetened treat ready in under 30 minutes

I love serving this with Greek yogurt for le goûter de 4h (afternoon snack) with a little cookie, or using the compote as the base for a classic tarte aux fruits.

✨ Just a note: skip fruit that’s moldy or way too far gone—stick with fruit that’s soft, bruised, or just a bit past its peak. #frenchrecipes #simplerecipe #recettefacilerapide #goutertime #fruitcompote #compotedefruits by @thewiseconsumer

Tuna and white bean salad = one of my favorite go-to summer salads 🍋☀️ Seriously, it’s the easiest thing to throw together on a hot day or when you just don’t want to cook. It’s Fresh, filling, delicious and ready in under 10 minutes!

How to Make It 👇

Ingredients:⁣
* 2 cans Great Northern beans, rinsed
* 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
* 1 quart cherry tomatoes,
* halved
* ½ English cucumber or 3–4 Persian cucumbers, sliced
* 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
* ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
* 1 tbsp fresh basil, roughly chopped
* Zest of ½ lemon, optional

Dressing:
* 3 tbsp white or red wine vinegar
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* ½ shallot, finely chopped
* Salt and pepper, to taste

Cut, slice, chop all your veggies and herbs! Throw it all together in a medium-sized salad bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette 🍇 and that’s it! Bon appétit!! by @thewiseconsumer

Grape Clafoutis 🍇 Had a few too many grapes in the fridge the other day… so I turned them into a cozy, custardy grape clafoutis. Well, technically, this is called a flaugnarde (clafoutis is traditionally made with cherries), but either way, it’s one of the simplest French desserts you can make.

The best part? You can swap in almost any fruit — peaches, pears, berries, apples, apricots…and of course grapes.

You’ll need:
* 1 ½ cups seedless grapes, halved (fresh or frozen, thawed & drained)
* 3 large eggs, at room temperature
* 5 tbsp sugar
* 1 cup whole milk
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
* Pinch of salt
* ¾ cup whole wheat flour
* 1 tbsp melted butter (for greasing)
* Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Full recipe on the blog. 📝✨
https://thewiseconsumer.com/grape-clafoutis/ #frenchrecipe #simplerecipes #recettefacilerapide #frenchdessert #frenchbaking #clafoutis by @thewiseconsumer

🇫🇷🇺🇸 It’s not always easy—or un-awkward 😅 —teaching my kids French, especially living somewhere with no real French community and far from family. But making sure they grow up speaking both French and English is really important to me (and my husband).

People often ask how I’m doing it, so here are 3 simple things I do everyday to keep their French up!

Part 2 coming soon with our favorite books, songs, podcasts, and shows. If you’re raising bilingual kids, tell me what’s working in your family! ♥️🇺🇸🇫🇷 by @thewiseconsumer

My favorite childhood snack? 🇫🇷🍫Du pain avec une barre de chocolat noir (bread with dark chocolate).
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I have so many sweet memories of my Bonne Maman making this tasty snack for us! ⁣⁣
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Whenever she took us to the park, she would pack her bag with half a baguette and a chocolate bar and say it was for the «goûter » (snack time) not to be eaten before then! ⁣⁣
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To this day, I still enjoy this little indulgence. I opt for extra dark chocolate with at least 75% cacao, preferably fair trade, and pair it with a small cup of plain yogurt.⁣⁣
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And that’s it! How simple is that? ☺️⁣⁣
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#chocolat #goutertime #goutermaison #frenchrecipe #frenchsnack #frenchsnack #frenchinspired #frenchcooking by @thewiseconsumer